Decorative Rotating Fire Pit

ABSTRACT

A decorative rotating fire pit has a central support shaft connected onto a burn pan. A louvered top rotates freely atop the central support shaft, and a rounded decorative shell hangs from the louvered top, surrounding the burn pan. The rounded decorative shall has a decorative design formed by removing material from the lateral surface of the rounded decorative shell, projecting an illuminated scene when a fire is started in the burn pan. The rising heat from the fire strikes the louvers of the louvered top, causing the rounded decorative shell to rotate, displaying the decorative design.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/195,868 filed on Jul. 23, 2015. The current application is filed on Jul. 25, 2016, whereas Jul. 23, 2016 and Jul. 24, 2016 were on a weekend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fire containment. More specifically, the present invention relates to displaying decorative scenes in with a fire containment structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fire has long been used by humans for many purposes such as cooking, creating light and heat, propulsion, waste disposal, and more. A fire pit or a fire hole can vary from a pit dug in the ground to an elaborate gas burning structure of stone, brick, and metal. The common feature of fire pits is that they are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading. The present invention presents a fire pit that facilitates illuminated display of aesthetically pleasing scenes by projecting light from a fire through negative space in a rounded decorative shell surrounding the burn pan and rotating through power from rising heat striking a louvered top.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the present invention along line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a raised perspective exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a lowered perspective exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a flat sheet of metal which is rolled into a circle in order to fabricate the burn pan in one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention.

The present invention is a display apparatus that is displays decorative scenes using a fire pit. The decorative scenes are created by removing portions of material from a hollow cylinder, which is placed above and around the fire pit, and connected to a top with several louvers, facilitating rotational and projective display of the scene through rising heat from a fire in the fire pit striking the louvers and producing rotational force.

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a burn pan 1, a central support shaft 2, a rounded decorative shell 3, and a louvered top 4. The central support shaft 2 serves to elevate the louvered top 4 a distance above the burn pan 1, and the rounded decorative shell 3 is connected to the louvered top 4, generally forming a cylindrical covering around the central support shaft 2 similar to a lamp shade.

The burn pan 1 is a structure for containing an open flame or another heat source and serves as a bottom support for the rest of the components of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the burn pan 1 is generally circular and constructed from steel or another metal, however it will be appreciated that the burn pan 1 may be embodied in any other desirable shape, such as, but not limited to, rectangular or triangular, and the burn pan 1 may be made of any desirable material which is capable of withstanding the heat produced by a typical wood fire, propane fire or similar heat or fire sources.

The central support shaft 2 is positioned centrally within the burn pan 1, and is perpendicularly connected to the burn pan 1. The louvered top 4 is pivotally engaged with the central support shaft 2 opposite the burn pan 1 along the central support shaft 2, enabling the louvered top 4 to freely rotate atop the central support shaft 2. The louvered top 4 is perimetrically connected to the rounded decorative shell 3, so that the rounded decorative shell 3 hangs from the louvered top 4 and the central support shaft 2 and the burn pan 1 are surrounded by the rounded decorative shell 3.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the louvered top 4 comprises a plurality of louvers 41 that are radially distributed around the louvered top 4. Preferably, the louvered top 4 further comprises an annular outer ring 42 and a central plate 43. The plurality of louvers 41 is radially connected around the central plate 43, each of the louvers 41 being connected between the central plate 43 and the annular outer ring 42. The louvered top 4 is generally disc-shaped and flat except for the louvers 41, which are angled away from the central plate 43. More particularly, each of the louvers 41 comprises a leading edge 410, a trailing edge 420, an inner edge 430 and an outer edge 440. The inner edge 430 of each of the louvers 41 is connected to the central plate 43, and the outer edge 440 is connected to the annular outer ring 42. The leading edge 410 of each of the louvers 41 is connected between the central plate 43 and the annular outer ring 42, while the trailing edge 420 is only connected to the central plate 43. Defining a horizontal plane as parallel to the central plate 43, viewed from the side, each of the louvers 41 forms a generally triangular shape, with the leading edge 410 being coincident with the horizontal plane, and the trailing edge 420 being vertically separated a distance from the horizontal plane. The angled construction of the louvers 41 produces a rotational motion when struck by rising heated gases from the heat source in the burn pan 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the rounded decorative shell 3 is generally cylindrical in shape and made from metal. In one embodiment, the made from a sheet of steel that is rolled into a cylinder and welded together. The rounded decorative shell 3 comprises a decorative design 31 that is positioned laterally on a lateral surface 32 of the rounded decorative shell 3. The decorative design 31 is formed by removing material from the rounded decorative shell 3 in order to create negative space in the lateral surface 32 of the rounded decorative shell 3. The negative space and remaining material of the lateral surface 32 of the rounded decorative shell 3 form the decorative design 31. The decorative design 31 is not limited in design, and may comprise any desired shapes, alphanumerical characters, or other visual elements. For example, the decorative design 31 may depict a forest scene. The fire in the burn pan 1 illuminates and projects through the negative space of the decorative design 31, producing an aesthetically pleasing display.

In the preferred embodiment, the burn pan 1 comprises a plurality of legs 12, a burn plate 12, and a retaining wall 13. The burn plate 12 is the main horizontal surface of the burn pan 1 upon which the heat source is placed, and to which the central support shaft 2 is perpendicularly connected. The retaining wall 13 is a piece of metal that is perimetrically connected to the burn plate 12 around the central shaft in order to keep the fire in the burn pan 1. The plurality of legs 12 are connected to the burn plate 12 opposite the central support shaft 2, so that the burn plate 12 is elevated in order to protect the surface the present invention is placed on from heat damage. In one embodiment, the retaining wall 13 and the plurality of legs 12 are constructed as a single sheet of metal, with the plurality of legs 12 being periodic protrusions along the sheet. The sheet is then rolled so that the ends can be welded together. The burn plate 12 is then welded to the inside of the retaining wall 13 at the point where the legs begin to protrude from the retaining wall 13.

In one embodiment, the central support shaft 2 is supported on the burn plate 12 by a plurality of buttresses 5 as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of buttresses 5 is radially distributed around the central support shaft 2, and are connected between the burn plate 12 and the central support shaft 2. The plurality of buttresses 5 form a generally triangle-shaped support, providing further lateral stability and support for the central support shaft 2.

It should be understood that the pivotal engagement between the central support shaft 2 and the louvered top 4 may be achieved through any useful and relevant means in order to allow the louvered top 4 and the rounded decorative shell 3 to freely rotate while being driven by the rising heat from the heat source. However, in the preferred embodiment, the louvered top 4 rotates on a ball bearing 6 that is connected to the central support shaft 2 opposite the burn pan 1, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, in the preferred embodiment, it is also desired that the lateral position of the louvered top 4, and thus the rounded decorative shell 3, may be adjusted relative to the central support shaft 2 in order to manipulate the center of gravity of the louvered top 4 and rounded decorative shell 3 to achieve proper balance on the central support shaft 2. While again it is to be understood that this purpose may be accomplished through any applicable means, in the preferred embodiment the louvered top 4 further comprises a first plurality of slots 44 that traverse through the central plate 43. The first plurality of slots 44 is separated from each other on the central plate 43. More particularly, the first plurality of slots 44 is oriented parallel to each other and perpendicularly offset. Even more particularly, the first plurality of slots 44 is a first pair of slots that is positioned symmetrically about the central axis of the louvered top 4.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, a bearing plate 7 comprises a bearing receptacle 71 and a second plurality of slots 72, the second plurality of slots 72 traversing through the bearing plate 7. The bearing receptacle 71 is centrally positioned on the bearing plate 7, and the second plurality of slots 72 is positioned opposite each other across the bearing receptacle 71. More particularly, the second plurality of slots 72 are oriented collinear with each other. Even more particularly, the second plurality of slots 72 is a second pair of slots that are positioned symmetrically about the bearing receptacle 71 and collinear with each other.

The first pair of slots and the second pair of slots are aligned with each other such that the first pair of slots and the second pair of slots are perpendicular with each other. The bearing plate 7 may thus be adjustably attached to the louvered top 4 by a plurality of fasteners 8 such as but not limited to bolts that are affixed through the first plurality of slots 44 and the second plurality of slots 72. The position of the first pair of slots and the second pair of slots may be adjusted relative to each other while the bolts are traversing through the slots, thus adjusting the relative position of the louvered top 4 and the bearing plate 7. The bearing plate 7, affixed in the desired position to the louvered top 4, is then placed on the central support shaft 2 such that the ball bearing 6 is pivotally engaged with the bearing receptacle 71.

The following is an exemplary description of one embodiment of the present invention intended to further demonstrate the spirit of the present invention, and is not intended to be limiting.

The Outer Burn Pan Ring consists of a piece of 11 gauge steel sheet that is cut into the shape shown in FIG. 6 and then rolled into a 30-inch diameter ring for use as the outer burn part ring. The leg assembly having three legs are also formed during this process.

Once it is rolled into a circle, the ends are fastened together. Tabs B are bent inward then the Burn Pan Heat Shield will rest on the B tabs and fastened to them and to the inside wall of the Outer Burn Pan Ring. Once this has been completed, Tabs A will be bent inward and the Burn Pan Bottom will be placed inside the Burn Pan Ring and rest on the A Tabs. The Burn Pan Bottom will then be fastened to the A Tabs and to the inside wall of the Outer Burn Pan Ring. Tabs C will be bent inward and leveling feet will be inserted into the 0.375″ diameter holes for leveling of the Burn Pan.

The present invention also consists of a center support shaft. Once the burn pan is assembled, the Center Support Shaft which is 1.125 hardened steel shaft that has one end of it machined down to 0.75″ and back 0.375″ This machined end will go through the center hole in and the machined end will fit into the center hole of and fastened into the hole. It will then be fastened into the center hole of. This centers and squares up the Center support shaft with the burn pan assembly. The opposite end of the center support shaft will have a 45 degree angle machined onto it and then centered drilled to accept a 0.50 diameter ball bearing. This ball bearing will be fastened to the end of the center support shaft.

The louvered top is cut from 16 ga steel sheet in a preferred embodiment. It is fastened to the top of the Design Globe. Once the louvered top is fastened to the top of the design globe, the louvers are bent upwards in order for the rising hot air from the fire in the burn pan to strike them in a way to cause the Design Globe to rotate. There is a 1.375″ hole cut in the center of to accept a ball bearing cup for the ball bearing on the end of the support shaft to fit into. The ball bearing cup and support stiffeners are then fastened to the louvered top.

The design globe, which will be several different design patterns in preferred embodiment, will be rotating part of the Fire Pit. It is 36 inches tall and 113 inches long. When the machine is rolled, it produces a cylinder that is 36″ in diameter and 36″ tall. The ends are fastened together making the Globe of the fire pit.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A decorative rotating fire pit comprises: a burn pan; a central support shaft; a rounded decorative shell; a louvered top; the louvered top comprises a plurality of louvers; the central support shaft being positioned centrally within the burn pan; the central support shaft being perpendicularly connected to the burn pan; the louvered top being pivotally engaged with the central support shaft opposite the burn pan along the central support shaft; the louvered top being concentrically positioned with the rounded decorative shell; the louvered top being perimetrically connected to the rounded decorative shell, wherein the central support shaft is surrounded by the rounded decorative shell; the plurality of louvers being radially distributed around the louvered top; and the rounded decorative shell comprises a decorative design positioned laterally on a lateral surface of the rounded decorative shell.
 2. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the rounded decorative shell being cylindrical in shape.
 3. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the decorative design is formed by removing material from the rounded decorative shell in order to create negative space in the lateral surface of the rounded decorative shell.
 4. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the burn pan comprises a plurality of legs and a burn plate; the central support shaft being perpendicularly connected to the burn plate; and the plurality of legs being connected to the burn plate opposite the central support shaft.
 5. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the burn pan comprises a retaining wall; and the retaining wall being perimetrically connected to a burn plate of the burn pan around the central support shaft.
 6. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a plurality of buttresses; the plurality of buttresses being connected between a burn plate of the burn pan and the central support shaft; and the plurality of buttresses being radially distributed around the central support shaft.
 7. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a bearing plate; a ball bearing; the louvered top further comprises a central plate and a first plurality of slots; the bearing plate comprises a bearing receptacle and a second plurality of slots; the plurality of louvers being radially connected around the central plate; the first plurality of slots traversing through the central plate; the first plurality of slots being separated from each other on the central plate; the bearing receptacle being centrally positioned on the bearing plate; the second plurality of slots traversing through the bearing plate; the second plurality of slots being positioned opposite each other across the bearing receptacle; the bearing plate being adjustably attached to the louvered top by a plurality of fasteners affixed through the first plurality of slots and the second plurality of slots; the ball bearing being connected to the central support shaft opposite the burn pan; and the ball bearing being pivotally engaged with the bearing receptacle of the bearing plate.
 8. The decorative rotating fire pit as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the first plurality of slots being oriented parallel to each other and perpendicularly offset from each other; and the second plurality of slots being oriented collinear with each other. 